How to Enjoy Free Classical Music in New York City

New York City is known as the cultural capital of the world, and its classical music offerings - from opera to symphonic performances - are among the jewels in its glittering crown of stars. If you love good music, but don't have a lot of money to spend when you're in New York City, you can find free classical music concerts and performance all around the city.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. The Julliard School, located at Lincoln Center, offers free student recitals and concerts. Wednesdays at 1 are one of the best deals in the city. These concerts feature student performers. Sometimes they are held at the Society for Ethical Culture, just a few blocks from Lincoln Center near Central Park in the West 60's, and sometimes at Lincoln Center. See the link in the Resources section for the Jullliard School Calendar.

2. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, located on 5th Avenue and West 53rd street, provides many free music programs. The organ music is particularly beautiful, with many organ concerts offered during the year. Their schedule is online. Choral music is also offered in free concerts year-round.

3. One of New York City's best-kept secrets is St. Francis Church on West 31st street, just one block east of Penn Station. The church itself is a beautiful turn of the 19th century religious building, filled with wonderful artwork. Its ongoing spiritual programs and charitable work are a testament to the Franciscan brothers who live and work there. The church holds Wednesday concerts in the main sanctuary; visit their website or stop by when you are in the city.

4. Many of the museums, especially the Metropolitan Museum of Art, host music programs. While admission to the museum isn't necessarily free, once inside the concert usually is free. The Met typically hosts interesting music concerts featuring period instruments, such as Renaissance recorders or antique harpsichords; call or visit their website to find out more.

Tips & Warnings

• Many music schools offer free concerts, so check other schools in the city while you are there.
• Remember that there is no eating, drinking or noise allowed during concerts, even free or student performances.
• It's also considered rude to bring drinks or snacks into churches, so finish your New York City pretzel of 'dirty dog' (street hot dog, purchased from a cart) before going into the concert.

Resources

• The Julliard School event calendar.
• St. Thomas Church organ recital calendar.
• St. Francis Church on West 31st street.

[sharishops]

on 1/16/2009 These are great ideas! What a way to get the most out of The Big Apple! *****